--Restaurant will maintain its name, but will be considered a franchise.

I have a Pm I like it is a franchise and I use them when ever available pm me if you would like there info.

S2A claims that they are modeling it after franchise models like McDonalds, but thats BS, in my experience franchise model is needed only when you need the investor to be involved with the day to day business to ensure quality/operations.

If it's just liability protection my $1M umbrella policy costs me ~$250/yr which is less than the minimum franchise tax board tax of 800/yr, SE tax exposure for yourself, etc.Also, it maybe a disregard entity (single member llc), which means it's all reported on one's 1040 schedule C.I learned all of this the hard way

I  would like advice as to whether I should change structure of business from a service professional C corp to another structure, eg LLC and implications for franchise/excise tax and contributions to solo 401k etc...  

I have heard about California investors that attempt to avoid this franchise tax with a foreign LLC, but there is a risk in not reporting your ownership.

This is why franchises cost so much.

I see commercial properties approx. the same price with a higher upside in rents, although possibly a little riskier depending on the market.Residential is fine, the money is made on the equity built up.Aside from personal reasons, Im also on here looking for advise on real estate pockets in the US where i can promote one of my businesses - a franchised for sale by owner company.

HV gave us a franchise agreement.

Among them:1) Depending upon your age, you can shelter approximately $49k per year compared with $5 to $6k in an IRA.2) An SD 401k will also cost several thousand dollars to open (once) but you won’t have an LLC to maintain or pay California’s $800 minimum annual franchise tax.